Trial the result of customer demand for no bag fares on key GCC routes

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Airways is trialling a new hand baggage only ‘Deal Fare’ on two key routes this winter season, for bookings between 18 October to 18 December, allowing travellers to purchase lower fares in Economy Class if no checked baggage is required.

The trial fare includes a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance of 7kg and is available on flights between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait for travel until 31 March 2018.

Etihad Airways Executive Vice President – Commercial, Mohammad Al Bulooki, said: “Passenger feedback and travel habits show that many of Etihad Airways’ customers, especially those travelling for business, weekend getaways or day trips, don’t require checked baggage, so we are testing a new lower fare on these key routes.

“As well as a great proposition for customers, this trial is an effective tool for gauging customer reaction in the real world and testing the product’s viability for wider implementation.”

This is the first of many trials the airline plans to initiate over coming months, as it looks to increase customer choice and diversify its revenues in line with digital capabilities that enable the airline to customise its products and services according to consumer demand. It follows the successful implementation of several new ancillary products including extra legroom seats, neighbour-free seats and preferred seating.

“Etihad Airways is enhancing its product offering to align with customer feedback, offering more choice onboard,” Al Bulooki said. “Customers have been able to purchase extra legroom seats for the last two years, and we recently gave them the additional choice through our ‘neighbour-free’ seat product to reserve the seat next to them on the aircraft at a reasonable fee. We know there is an appetite for products that allow travellers to choose the experience and service they require.

“While our core customer proposition remains centred on offering industry-leading service and hospitality, this trial is designed to provide an option for those who are looking for cheaper fares when travelling light.”

Full details about the trial fare can be found at www.etihad.com  

About Etihad Aviation Group
Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is a diversified global aviation and travel group comprising five business divisions – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, Etihad Airport Services, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners.

From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, more than 110 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of over 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

© Press Release 2017